Jessica Sebastin
Jessica Sebastian is an accomplished Identity Advisor at IDMWORKS, where she helps organizations design and implement secure, scalable Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, she partners closely with cross-functional teams—including sales, advisory, and technical leadership—to guide clients through complex identity challenges. Her work spans technical discovery, solution architecture, and strategic roadmap development, ensuring that organizations not only strengthen security but also streamline operations and align IAM initiatives with broader business goals.
With over five years of experience in IAM consulting, Jessica has built a strong foundation across leading organizations, including Optiv, Deloitte, and Angi. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives such as role-based access control (RBAC) implementations, identity governance strategies, and enterprise-wide access transformation projects. Known for her hands-on expertise and collaborative approach, she excels at translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable strategies that empower clients to take ownership of their identity programs. Jessica is especially passionate about transparency in consulting, ensuring clients feel informed, involved, and confident throughout their journey.
Beyond her technical expertise, Jessica is a passionate advocate for leadership, mentorship, and representation in tech. Proudly embracing her identity as a Latina professional, she is committed to inspiring others while continuing to grow as a speaker and thought leader in the cybersecurity space. Her work reflects a belief that growth happens outside of comfort zones, a mindset she applies both professionally and personally. Whether coaching others, speaking on industry panels, or guiding organizations through transformation, Jessica brings energy, authenticity, and purpose to everything she does.
• Okta for AI Agents
• Ambassador Learning Journey
• SailPoint Identity Security Leader Credential
• Time-to-Value Practitioner Technical Bootcamp
• Indiana University Indianapolis - Bachelor's degree Computer and Information Technology, Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
• Society of Women Engineers
• National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists
• Latinas in Tech
• Women in Identity
• College Mentors for Kids
• Riley's Hospital for Children Dance Marathon
• United Way Worldwide
• IUPUI Spirit of Philantropy
What do you attribute your success to?
I've been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have guided me throughout my career in identity and access management consulting. Akanksha Singh, a former coworker of mine, was a powerhouse woman in identity and consulting who I truly valued everything she said - she really listened to me. I also had a formalized mentor through Latinas in Tech named Gloria Hickman, who owns her own telecommunications consulting firm. She's a powerhouse Latina in the space who gave me so much guidance on how to deal with adversity, how to handle people speaking down to me in my role, how to stand up for myself, and how to break down barriers for myself without waiting for others to do it for me. She was absolutely phenomenal. Being involved in organizations like Latinas in Tech and Women in Identity has also been really important to my journey, especially knowing that my company is a sponsor of Women in Identity and that my coworker is on their volunteer board.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To be authentic.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Continue networking, it is so important.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'd say one challenge is being a young woman in this field. A lot of times I don't get taken seriously, or people don't believe in my capabilities or what I bring to the table. So other times I just have to prove them wrong, as opposed to being able to get that confidence and belief as soon as I walk in the door, which can be frustrating. But I love proving people wrong, so I think it's kind of fun. The other big thing is that the field is ever-changing, specifically now with AI. I feel like it's a challenge, but it's an exciting challenge to know that no month is going to look the same. I consistently have to stay on top of trends and know what's going on in different areas so I can be more of an advisor to these people and give them the best advice and guidance. It's more of a fun challenge, I would say, as opposed to something that's a deterrent.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is one of my most important values. I feel like a lot of times people see consulting as this black box, but I truly pride myself on transparency so people understand what they're getting and are able to truly influence and change it as it goes. Their journey is theirs alone, and I'm not here to sell somebody a narrative or force them to fit into a box - I'm here to help them create the box and make sure it fits what they need. The other really important pillar for me is representation. Being a woman in cybersecurity is not common, so I want to be somebody that I wish I had when I was coming up in the field. And being Puerto Rican, being a Latina in this space as well, is really impactful to know that I'm able to represent two great communities that are so strong and deserve a chance to be at the table or on a stage where people can see them.
Locations
IDMWORKS
Indianapolis, IN -